What is a dermatologic surgeon?

Part of a progressive medical subspecialty, ASDS member dermatologists perform medically necessary and cosmetic procedures to improve the health, function and beauty of skin through every stage of life.

From forehead furrows to frown lines…

Performing more than 5 million cosmetic procedures each year, ASDS member dermatologists offer many treatments that are less intense, safer and have quicker recovery times than ever before.

1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year

Any suspicious new growths or changes should be examined by a dermatologist immediately. ASDS member dermatologists are trained to select the best treatment choice based on the individual patient.

Laser Resurfacing for Age Spots

Treatment Options

Ablative laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses a wand-like laser instrument to remove the upper layers of skin. It is sometimes referred to as “laser peeling” since it removes old skin cells in order to reveal newer, more youthful cells.

Why you should choose laser resurfacing for age spots

Ablative laser resurfacing heats the skin layers underneath to promote collagen production, which stimulates skin in the treatment area to heal in a smoother, more even appearance.

Risks

As with any treatment, there are risks associated with it, though they are minimized in the hands of a qualified ASDS dermatologist. These include:

Pain

Swelling

Bleeding

Scarring

Crusting

Discoloration

Infection

Estimated cost

The average cost for laser resurfacing is between $1,750 and $2,300. Since laser resurfacing is considered a cosmetic procedure, treatment usually isn't covered by most medical insurance companies. There are certain situations where insurance covers the procedure, such as removal of precancerous growths and scar modification. Other factors affecting cost include size and location of the procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

Before the procedure, an ASDS dermatologist will usually review the patient’s medical history and conduct a physical exam. This is the time for the doctor and patient to discuss expectations, potential risks and outcomes of the procedure. Patients also should:

Discuss any susceptibility to cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth since the procedure can trigger breakouts in at-risk individuals.

Avoid medications or supplements that can affect blood clotting - such as aspirin, ibuprofen or vitamin E - for 10 days before surgery.

Avoid smoking for two weeks before and after the procedures.

What to expect after the procedure

Following treatment, your ASDS dermatologist will bandage the treatment area. Patients will be required to:

Clean the treatment area after the first 24 hours, and then four to five times a day thereafter.

Apply an ointment, such as petroleum jelly, after cleanings to prevent scabs from forming.

Laser resurfacing patients also can expect the treated area to:

Be swollen for 24 to 48 hours after treatment.

Itch or sting for 12 to 72 hours after treatment.

Slough and peel off old skin five to seven days after treatment.

Healing typically takes 10 to 21 days, depending on the size and location of the procedure. After the treatment area is fully healed, patients should:

Use only oil-free makeup for at least two to three months.

Avoid sun exposure and apply an appropriate sunscreen to the area, which will have a lighter appearance following resurfacing.

Keep new skin well-moisturized.

Find a doctor for your laser resurfacing for age spots

Visit “Find a dermatologic surgeon” and choose “Laser Resurfacing” from the dropdown menu. In 2013, ASDS doctors performed nearly 152,000 laser resurfacing procedures, up from 82,000 in 2012. Because ASDS doctors are trained in a variety of the best and latest techniques, they are the most qualified to evaluate and select the best treatment choice based on the individual patient’s condition.

ASDS is recognized as the premier specialty group representing dermatologists performing all procedures – cosmetic, general, reconstructive and Mohs. ASDS members are experts in treating skin and soft tissue with surgical and non-surgical methods.